In Indonesia, we do not have four seasons, only rainy and dry seasons where the sun shines all year round. So, when warmth finally returned to Olomouc after months of cold weather, it felt very special. The flowers started blossoming in the garden, people started going out to the park and stood in the sun for a moment, as if they were saying, finally. Right away, like it had been waiting for the change of season, Easter arrived.
Easter holiday celebration, different vibes but the same warmth
In Indonesia, Easter begins with church in the morning, a family lunch, and an egg hunt for the kids. We hide chocolate eggs around the house or garden, and the children go around looking for them. However, in the Czech Republic, I learned about some new traditions, such as kraslice, hand-painted eggs that seems like works of art. On Easter Monday, boys carry woven willow whips called pomlázka, a folk tradition said to bring health and energy from the fresh spring branches.
The first time I heard about the pomlázka, it caught me completely off guard. A whip made of willow twigs as an Easter tradition; I had many questions. But once it was explained, a folk custom said to bring health and energy from the fresh spring branches, I found it charming: it is less about the whip and more about the celebration, and the decorated eggs exchanged as gifts.
An evening of whips, paint, and artsy eggs
The Welcome Office organised an Easter evening where we got to try both traditions ourselves. The warmth of the day had carried right into the room, and the whole atmosphere felt festive immediately. First came the pomlázka: weaving and braiding young willow branches into shape and I was excited taking part in making the willow whips. Then came the kraslice painting, fine patterns on a small curved surface, and everyone at the table was enjoying expressing their artsy side.
During the event, it did not matter where any of us were from. We were just people painting with our hands, laughing when it went wrong, and enjoying the kind of easy warmth that only comes when the season is finally here.
Here, Easter and spring festivities is new but still feels familiar. The feeling underneath, celebration, people gathering and smiling because the season says it is time, translates perfectly across any culture.
To everyone, may this spring season bring you blossoming days, golden evenings, and all the warmth you have been waiting for.
The Ambassador Program of the Welcome Office is an initiative that enables international students at Palacký University Olomouc to engage across all faculties, offering peer support in academic matters, university integration, and cultural exchange. Ambassadors assist fellow students in navigating their studies, adapting to university and city life, and fostering a vibrant multicultural environment. They actively participate in cultural days and events, share best practices, collaborate on projects, and share their academic and personal experiences. Ambassadors also organize social events and facilitate effective communication between students, faculties, and the rectorate of Palacký University. If you are interested in seizing the opportunity to become our next ambassador, you can register here.